STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The city has opened the process for pre-kindergarten admissions to public schools for the 2012-2013 school year.

Families can submit the application either online or in person at a borough enrollment office, a complete list of which is available at http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/NewStudents/. Families without Internet access can visit their local New York Public Library (NYPL) branch to complete the online application after they sign up for a free library card, which can be in person or online at http://www.nypl.org/help/library-card. Additionally, the 2012-2013 Pre-Kindergarten Directory is available at borough enrollment offices, at any public elementary school with a pre-kindergarten program or online at http://schools.nyc.gov/prek.

The application deadline is April 5. Families will be notified by the city in early June about public school placements.

Applications are also available for Community-Based Organizations (CBO) pre-k programs which are available at CBO program sites or online at http://schools.nyc.gov/prek.

Families should return applications for CBO programs directly to the providers they choose, which will also notify them regarding placement. Because CBOs may continue to accept applications as long as they have openings, families are encouraged to contact CBOS about seat availability before they apply.

The DOE will also hold a pre-kindergarten information session on March 22 at PS 69 at 144 Keating Pl., New Springville. The meeting will last from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will host representatives from the Office of Student Enrollment and the Office of Early Childhood Education who will present information about pre-kindergarten programs and the admissions process.

Translation and interpretation services will be provided. In addition, parents can text 877877 for ongoing updates on the admissions process.